Friday Fitness: Freshwater Land Trust and Darter Dash 5K and Fun Run
September 14, 2012
When my friend, Caroline, told me last year about the “Freshwater Land Trust Darter Dash” 5K race, I was so excited about it. Not because of outdoor beauty, but because of its cause: The Freshwater Land Trust. The Freshwater Land Trust is non-profit organization that acquires, conserves and connects open spaces that are critical for the protection of rivers and streams and that provide recreational opportunities for the community. Its mission is the acquisition and stewardship of lands that enhance water quality and preserve open space. It is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, which recognizes it as meeting standards of excellence, upholding the public’s trust and ensuring that conservation efforts are permanent.
The 5K course takes runners along a course unlike any other in Jefferson County and will begin and end at Turkey Creek Falls. The race course is a paved roadway that follows the beautiful creek, offering extraordinary views and subtle elevation changes that allow for a challenging, yet fun course. This beautiful preserve contains some of the most biologically diverse habitats in this region of Alabama. The waters of Turkey Creek are home to three endangered species of fish: the Vermilion Darter (Etheostoma chermocki), the Watercress Darter (Etheostoma nuchale), and the Rush Darter (Etheostoma phytophilum). The Vermilion Darter occurs only in Turkey Creek and nowhere else in the world.
The 5K race will start at 8:30 a.m. and the 1 Mile Fun Run will begin at 9:30 a.m. Day-of-race registration will be at 7:00 a.m. The first one hundred participants will receive a tech t-shirt. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Land Trust’s efforts in protecting local lands and preserving the places that matter. For more information and to register, please go to www.freshwaterlandtrust.org.
I’ll be there. Will you?
WHAT: 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run Race Benefitting the Freshwater Land Trust WHERE: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, Pinson, Alabama
WHEN: Saturday, October 13, 2012
START TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 5K 9:30 a.m. – Fun Run
